École Laronde students learn life skills while helping others through 'compassion project'

Grade 6 students at École Laronde Elementary are raising money for several non-profit organizations as part of a "compassion project" to develop skills to carry forward outside of the classroom.

Teacher Christine Carriou said the objective of the project is to contribute to the community while also learning about global citizenship and how a small group can work collaboratively  toward a common goal. The students have brainstormed ways to fundraise for five charitable groups: BC Children's Hospital, Lookout Housing + Health Society, Sources Women's Place, Make-a-Wish Foundation and the BC SPCA.

"It's very purposeful, they're doing something that makes a difference," she said. "It's kind of outside of their comfort zone to reach out to these groups, but it's also exciting for them and teaches them skills around listening and communication, exchanging ideas, delegating and including everyone."

In past years, Carriou said she's assigned a similar project for individual students, but this is the first time the class has worked together. Students were divided into groups to select non-profits to support and find unique ways to raise money and promote their fundraiser.

"It's gone way beyond my expectations the kids are running with it," she said. "They've demonstrated so much excitement to give back to the community."

So far, the students have done a bottle drive, created advertising, canvassed door-to-door, collected items for the SPCA and created handmade crafts to sell at school. The crafts include bookmarks, Christmas cards and hats, necklaces and bracelets, bath bombs, ornaments, origami and stress balls.

The class is accepting donations of cash and items for animals (i.e. pet food, blankets, toys) until Friday, Dec. 3, either dropped off at the school (1880 Laronde Dr.) or by Interac e-transfer to larondecompassionproject@gmail.com

If you would like to make an e-transfer donation, please indicate which charity you would like to deposit your donation to in the e-transfer message:

• BC Children's Hospital
• Lookout Housing + Health Society
• Sources Women's Place
• Make-a-Wish Foundation
• SPCA

Note: The school is unable to give out donation receipts.

For more information or if you have any questions about donating to the project, email Christine Carriou at carriou_c@surreyschools.ca